Joyful Harvest in the Mulberry Grove

In a vast mulberry grove, young women work with cheerful ease, their voices mingling in song as they head home. The scene is one of pastoral tranquility and contentment, with the evening sun casting a golden hue over their day’s labor.

As the sun begins its descent and dusk approaches, the cows and sheep return to their pens, and the smell of cooking fires rises in the air. The soft light of the setting sun filters through the green leaves of the mulberry trees, creating a serene and picturesque scene. The young women, who have spent the day harvesting mulberries, prepare to leave the grove and return to their homes. As they walk away, their calls and laughter continue to echo through the grove, creating a sense of lingering joy and camaraderie.

The poem “Ten Acres Between” from the Book of Songs (《诗经》) captures this scene with a light-hearted melody that reflects the mood of the harvest. The use of the interjection “兮” at the end of each line naturally extends the rhythm, contributing to the relaxed and joyful tone of the poem. This repetition not only enhances the musical quality but also mirrors the easy-going nature of the workers as they finish their day’s work.

The imagery of the mulberry grove and the cheerful activities of the young women evoke a sense of pastoral bliss. The poem does more than describe a simple agricultural scene; it conveys the satisfaction and contentment that come from a day’s honest labor. The structure of the poem, with its repetitive lines and soothing rhythm, underscores the harmony between the poem’s content and its form.

This light and melodious quality is contrasted with another labor-related poem in the Book of Songs, “Purslane” from the “Southern Collection” (《周南·芣苢》). While “Ten Acres Between” focuses on the joyful end of a day’s work, “Purslane” portrays a different aspect of labor—the detailed and vigorous process of harvesting purslane. The latter’s quick and rhythmic verses reflect the dynamic and industrious nature of the work, emphasizing the skill and enthusiasm of the harvesters.

In “Ten Acres Between,” the poet’s choice of subject and form creates a vivid and pleasing portrayal of rural life. The emphasis is on the joy of labor and the beauty of the natural setting. The poem’s structure, with its recurring interjection and simple, repetitive lines, enhances the overall effect of tranquility and satisfaction.

The contrast between “Ten Acres Between” and “Purslane” highlights the diversity of labor experiences captured in the Book of Songs. While “Ten Acres Between” offers a serene and celebratory view of post-work relaxation, “Purslane” provides a more detailed and rhythmic depiction of the labor process itself. Both poems, despite their different tones and styles, offer valuable insights into the lives and emotions of the people they describe.

In essence, “Ten Acres Between” stands as a testament to the beauty of rural life and the joy found in simple, everyday activities. Its cheerful tone and vivid imagery resonate with the reader, evoking a sense of peace and contentment that transcends time and place.